John Muir exhibits sadness towards the ruins of towns because they represent the waste and loss associated with the natural resources that were extracted and the communities that once thrived there. The "pure waste" signifies not only the physical destruction of the landscape but also the ephemeral nature of human endeavors that prioritize resource extraction over environmental preservation. Muir likely feels a sense of melancholy for the disruption caused to both the land and the people, reflecting a deeper concern for the impact of industrialization and the fleeting value of wealth when it comes at such a high cost to nature and human life. The ruins stand as a reminder of what has been lost, both in terms of natural beauty and human connections.
6 The wealth Nevada has already given to the world is indeed wonderful, but the only grand marvel is the energy expended in its development. The pure waste visible in the ruins of the towns never fails to produce a saddening effect. What about the ruins of towns saddens Muir? (paragraph 6)
1 answer